Toilet bowl with ventilating system

ABSTRACT

A toilet bowl having a venting system for directing odious air from the toilet bowl to the sewer system. The system includes a toilet bowl having a discharge outlet that is connected to a sewer line, a chamber defined within the toilet bowl, an exhaust hose disposed within the chamber and in communication with the discharge outlet, and a housing connected to the exhaust hose. A gate is hingedly fitted on a frame within the housing, the gate is rotated to an open position and a closed position depending on the operative position of the system. In the open position, the ventilation system is activated causing air flow to be directed through a vent opening in the toilet bowl to the sewer line. An electrically operated exhaust fan is positioned within the housing. A surface end is disposed between the fan and the gate. The surface end having a magnetic field produced by an electric current. When activated, the electromagnetic action between the surface end and the gate pulls the gate to the closed position, forming an airtight seal between the gate and the surface end to prevent gas flow in the direction from the sewer line. Activating the exhaust fan acts as a demagnetizing force between the gate and the surface end. Air flow from the fan is directed towards the gate, causing the gate to rotate in the open position. When the exhaust fan is de-activated, air flow ceases allowing the gate to return to the closed position. An electronic control unit is further disposed in the upper portion of the chamber and electrically connected to the exhaust fan and surface end. The control unit is further connected to a pressure sensor attached to the upper surface of a lip of the toilet bowl, so that lowering the toilet seat of the toilet bowl onto the lip causes contact between the toilet seat and the pressure sensor. When the weight of a person is placed on the toilet seat, the pressure sensor signals the control unit, causing the control unit to activate the exhaust fan and demagnetize the surface end. When the exhaust fan is activated, air flow from the fan urges the gate to an opened position directing air flow from the toilet bowl, through the vent opening, and to the sewer line. When the weight of the person is no longer resting on the toilet seat, the pressure sensor signals the control unit, causing the control unit to de-activate the exhaust fan and send an electric current to the surface end. When the exhaust fan is de-activated, air flow from the fan ceases, allowing the gate to return to the closed position.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

Statement as to rights to inventions made under Federally sponsoredresearch and development: Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a toilet bowl designed to vent odious airtherefrom. More specifically, it relates to a toilet bowl having aventing system for directing the odious air directly to the sewersystem.

2. Background Information

Numerous attempts have been made to provide venting systems for toiletsin order to re-direct odious air. Typical prior art venting systems aregenerally distributed in the form of a kit to be attached to the toilet.These kits are normally installed external to the toilet and generallyinclude a considerable number of components and fittings which are notonly unsightly, since the components and piping remains exposed, butalso difficult to install.

Other arrangements attempting to solve the problem of ventilatingtoilets includes using a conventional air blower to direct air from thetoilet room to the outside. These type ventilating systems requireexpensive installation since a vent passageway must be made in a wall ofthe toilet room. Also, these air blower systems are generally exposedand unsightly.

Another arrangement for ventilating toilets is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,173,453 to Shahar. '453 discloses a kit for venting a toilet thatincludes an exhaust line having one end connected to the sewer line anda second end within the toilet bowl. The exhaust line including anelectrically operated exhaust fan to generate flow in the directiontoward the sewer line, and a valve for preventing flow in a directionfrom the sewer line. The '453 disclosure is a kit generally installedexternal to the toilet. As such, the components and piping remainexposed. Further, '453 kit requires expensive installation since apassageway must be made in the floor near the toilet in order to directthe one end of the exhaust line for connection to the sewer line.Further, properly installing the exhaust line to the sewer pipe isdifficult, inconvenient, and relatively unsanitary.

As will be seen from the subsequent description, the preferredembodiments of the present invention overcome these and othershortcomings of prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a toilet bowl having a venting system fordirecting odious air from the toilet bowl to the sewer system. Thepreferred embodiment includes a toilet bowl having a discharge outletconnected to a sewer line as is known in the art, a chamber definedwithin the upper-rear portion of the toilet bowl to substantiallycontain the components of the venting system, an exhaust hose positionedwithin the chamber and in communication with the discharge outlet, ahousing positioned within the chamber and connected to the exhaust hose.A gate is hingedly fitted on a frame within the housing, the gate isrotated to an open position and a closed position depending on theoperative position of the system. In the closed position, the gateprevents gas flow in the direction from the sewer line so as to preventodious air from the sewer line. In the open position, the ventilationsystem is activated causing air flow to be directed through a ventopening in the toilet bowl to the sewer line. An electrically operatedexhaust fan is positioned within the housing. When activated, the airflow from the fan is directed towards the gate urging the gate to anopened position. When the exhaust fan is de-activated, air flow ceasesallowing the gate to return to the closed position.

An electronic control unit is further disposed in the chamber andelectrically connected to the exhaust fan. The control unit is furtherconnected to a pressure sensor attached to the upper surface of a lip ofthe toilet bowl, so that lowering the toilet seat of the toilet bowlonto the lip causes contact between the toilet seat and the pressuresensor. When the weight of a person is placed on the toilet seat, thepressure sensor signals the control unit, causing the control unit toactivate the exhaust fan. When the exhaust fan is activated, air flowfrom the fan urges the gate to an opened position. When the weight ofthe person is no longer resting on the toilet seat, the pressure sensorsignals the control unit, causing the control unit to de-activate theexhaust fan. When the exhaust fan is de-activated, air flow from the fanceases, allowing the gate to return to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a section view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, a toilet bowl with ventilating system.

FIG. 2 is a section view of the toilet bowl illustrating a section viewof the ventilating system of FIG. 1, having the gate in a closedposition.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the toilet bowl illustrating a section viewof the ventilating system of FIG. 1, having the gate in an openedposition.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the ventilating systemof FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a toilet bowl withventilating system 10 made in accordance with the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 1 the system 10, like a standard toilet system includes atoilet bowl 20 which is adapted to receive liquid and solid waste, atank 100 is typically mounted above the toilet bowl 20, and a handle(not shown) is mounted to the exterior surface of the tank 100 andattached to the flush system (not specifically shown) inside the tank100 that generally initiates the flushing operation.

The toilet bowl 20 of the present invention includes a discharge outlet25 that is connected to a sewer line 30, which is connected to the mainsewer line (not shown). The toilet bowl 20, like a standard toiletsystem, defining a waste discharge path designated as Arrow “A” in FIG.1 that during the flushing operation, directs contents 35 in the toiletbowl 20 from the toilet bowl 20, through the discharge outlet 25 and tothe sewer line 30.

A chamber 40 is disposed within the upper-rear portion of the toiletbowl 20, directly above the discharge outlet 25. As will be furtherdescribed, an exhaust hose 45 is generally positioned within the chamber40 and extends to the discharge outlet 25 in order to communicatebetween the components within the chamber 40 and the sewer line 30.

As shown in the drawings, the exhaust hose 45 has a first end 45A and asecond end 45B opposite the first end 45A. The exhaust hose 45 having agenerally L-shaped configuration. The second end 45B of the exhaust host45 is sealingly attached with seal 50D to an opening 42 in the chamber40, the opening 42 in communication with the discharge outlet 25. Thefirst end 45A of the exhaust hose 40 is releasably coupled to a firstend 50A of a housing 50.

A gate 55 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) is hingedly attached to a frame 55A,the frame 55A fitted within the housing 50 near a second end 50B of thehousing 50. The second end 50B disposed opposite the first end 50A. Thegate 55 is rotated to an open position (shown in FIG. 3) and a closedposition (shown in FIG. 2) depending on the operative position of thesystem 10. As will be further described, in the closed position, thegate 55 prevents gas flow in a direction from the sewer line 30 so as toprevent the flow of odious air from the sewer line 30. In the openposition and as will be further described, the system 10 is activatedcausing air flow to be drawn in the direction of Arrows “B” in FIG. 3namely, through a vent opening 22 in a rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20,such air flow being effectively directed from the toilet bowl, throughthe housing 50 and the exhaust hose 45, and to the sewer line 30. Thegate 55 is preferably constructed of a soft metal or mild steelmaterial.

An electrically operated exhaust fan 60 is disposed within the housing50 and in particular, positioned downstream of the second end 50B of thehousing 50. In particular, the fan 60 is disposed between the second end50B and the gate 55. The second end 50B of the housing 50 is sealinglyattached with seal 50C to the vent opening 22, the housing 50 in airflow communication with the vent opening 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, a surface end 64 is positioned immediately adjacentto the gate 55. In the preferred embodiment, the surface end 64 includesa center bore (not shown) for passage of air flow therethrough, andfurther includes a surface 64A along the perimeter of the surface end64. The surface 64A including electromagnetic material so that whenelectricity is applied, the surface 64A produces a sufficiently strongelectromagnetic force between the surface 64A and the gate 55, pullingthe gate 55 into contact with the surface end 64, and in the closedposition as shown in FIG. 2. When closed, an airtight seal is formedbetween the gate 55 and the surface 64A of the surface end 64. As willbe further described, activating the fan 60 acts as a demagnitizingforce allowing the gate 55 to open and allowing the passing of airthrough the venting system.

The vent opening 22 generally disposed along the rear portion of the rim23 of the toilet bowl 20. Specifically, the vent opening 22 extends fromthe rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20 to the second end 50B of the housing50. In the preferred embodiment, the vent opening 22 is formed withinthe rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20 and directed through the toilet bowl 20to the chamber 40. Alternatively, the vent opening 22 may be a flexiblehose directed from the rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20, and sealingattached to the second end 50B of the housing 50. Further, as shown inthe drawings, the vent opening 22 extends in an upwardly orientationfrom the lower surface of the rim 23 so that water, caused from thetoilet's flushing operation for example, is unable to enter the opening22 and access the components within the chamber 40.

An electronic control unit 70 is located in the chamber 40 with anelectric supply line 72 electrically connected by electrical wiring 74to the exhaust fan 60. The control unit 70 is further connected to apressure sensor 80 by electrical wiring 74 as will be further discussed.

The toilet bowl 20 further having an access opening 37 and door 37Adisposed on the outer surface of the toilet bowl 20 to allow access tothe chamber 40 and the components therein. The access opening 37 anddoor 37A may be positioned either at the rear portion of the toilet bowl20 as shown in the drawings or, on a side of the toilet bowl 20.

The toilet bowl 20 further includes a toilet seat 27 and a lid (notshown). The toilet seat 27 is pivotally connected to the upper surfaceof the toilet bowl 20 so that the seat 27 may lowered to rest upon theupper surface of the rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20. Pressure sensor 80 ispositioned on the upper surface of the rim 23 of the toilet bowl 20 sothat lowering the toilet seat 27 onto the rim 23 causes contact betweenthe lower surface of the toilet seat 27 and the pressure sensor 80. Thepressure sensor 80 is activated (FIG. 3) when it comes in contact withthe seat 27 with the additional weight of a person seated on the toiletseat 27. The sensor 80 is disengaged (FIG. 2) when the weight of theperson is no longer on the toilet seat 27. The pressure sensor 80 isappropriately connected to the control unit 70 by means known in theart.

In application, the gate 55 of the system 10 is generally in a closedposition that is, the gate 55 is in sealing engagement with the surfaceend 64 as discussed above in order to prevent gas flow in the directionfrom the sewer line 30 so as to prevent odious air from the sewer line30. When the weight of a person is seated on the toilet seat 27, thepressure sensor 80 signals the control unit 70, causing the control unit70 to activate the exhaust fan 60. When the exhaust fan 60 is activated,the magnetic field of the surface 64A is withdrawn or demagnitized. Theair flow from the fan 60 is directed towards the gate 55. The air flowfrom the exhaust fan 60 urges the gate 55 to an opened position. In theopen position as shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 is activated causing airflow through the vent opening 22 in the toilet bowl 20, and directedthrough the housing 50 and the exhaust hose 45, to the sewer line 30.

In the open position as described above, odious air from the toilet bowl20 is effectively flushed and ventilated therefrom, and discharged intothe sewer line 30.

When the weight of the person is no longer resting on the toilet seat27, the pressure sensor 80 signals the control unit 70, causing thecontrol unit 70 to de-activate the exhaust fan 60. When the exhaust fan60 is de-activated, air flow from the fan 60 ceases. A strong magneticforce is applied on the surface 64A. In response to the application of amagnetic field to the surface 64A, the magnetic force pulls the gate 55into contact with the surface end 64, returning the gate 55 to theclosed position and forming an airtight seal between the surface end 64and the gate 55.

Once the control unit 70 receives the signal to de-activate the exhaustfan 60 as described above, the system 10 may immediately de-activate theexhaust fan 60 as described or, may continue its operation with the gate55 remaining in the open position for several minutes, depending onpredetermined programming of the control unit 70.

Finally, it should be understood by those of skill in the art that othermodifications and changes can be made without departing from the spiritand the scope of the invention and without diminishing its intendedadvantages. For example, various electronic control means may beprovided for activating and de-activating operation of the system.

Further, the exhaust fan 60 herein is described as being electricallyoperated however, it should be obvious that a battery operated exhaustfan 60 will achieve the desired objectives. Such changes, as well asother changes, are intended to be consistent with the inventiondescribed herein.

Although the description above contains many specificities, they shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims in the formal application and their legal equivalents, ratherthan by the examples given.

1. A toilet bowl for venting odious air therefrom, the toilet bowlcomprising: a discharge outlet connected to a sewer line, a chamber, anexhaust hose having a first end, and a second end opposite the firstend, wherein the second end of the exhaust hose is sealingly attached toan opening in the chamber, the opening in communication with thedischarge outlet, a housing having a first end releasingly coupled tothe first end of the exhaust hose, a gate attached to a frame, saidframe fitted within the housing, an exhaust fan positioned adjacent tothe gate, a surface end disposed between the exhaust fan and the gate,wherein the second end of the housing is sealingly attached to a ventopening, said vent opening defined within a rim portion of the toiletbowl, control means for actuating the exhaust fan, a pressure sensorpositioned on an upper surface of the rim portion of the toilet bowl,wherein the exhaust fan when activated produces an air flow, said airflow urging the gate to an open position.
 2. The toilet bowl as recitedin claim 1, further comprising an access opening disposed on the outersurface of the toilet bowl to allow access to the chamber.
 3. The toiletbowl as recited in claim 1, wherein the vent opening extends upward froma lower surface of the rim portion.
 4. The toilet bowl as recited inclaim 1, wherein the exhaust fan is disposed between the second end ofthe housing and the gate.
 5. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 3,wherein the vent opening is in communication with the odious air.
 6. Thetoilet bowl as recited in claim 1, wherein the gate is hinged to theframe.
 7. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 1, wherein the surface endcomprising a surface disposed along the perimeter of the surface end,said surface having a magnetic field produced by an electric current. 8.The toilet bowl as recited in claim 7, wherein the magnetic forceapplied to the surface pulls the gate to a closed position forming anairtight seal between the gate and the surface end.
 9. The toilet bowlas recited in claim 1, wherein the gate is constructed of a soft metalmaterial.
 10. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 1, wherein the gate isconstructed of a mild steel material.
 11. A toilet bowl for ventingodious air therefrom, the toilet bowl comprising: a discharge outletconnected to a sewer line, a chamber having a first end in communicationwith the discharge outlet and a second end in communication with a ventopening, said vent opening defined within a rim portion of the toiletbowl, a gate disposed within the chamber, said gate having an openposition and a closed position, an exhaust fan positioned within thechamber, control means for actuating the exhaust fan, a sensor means,wherein the exhaust fan when activated produces an air flow, said airflow urging the gate to the open position, wherein the gate in the openposition directs the flow of air from the toilet bowl towards the sewerline.
 12. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 11, further comprising anaccess opening disposed on the outer surface of the toilet bowl to allowaccess to the chamber.
 13. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 11,wherein the vent opening extends upward from a lower surface of the rimportion.
 14. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 13, wherein the ventopening is in communication with the odious air.
 15. The toilet bowl asrecited in claim 11, wherein the sensor means is a pressure sensor. 16.The toilet bowl as recited in claim 15, wherein the pressure sensor ispositioned on an upper surface of the rim portion of the toilet bowl.17. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 12, further comprising asurface, said surface having a magnetic field produced by an electriccurrent, wherein the surface is disposed between the gate and the fan.18. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 17, wherein the magnetic forceapplied to the surface pulls the gate to a closed position forming anairtight seal between the gate and the surface end.
 19. The toilet bowlas recited in claim 11, wherein the gate is constructed of a soft metalmaterial.
 20. The toilet bowl as recited in claim 11, wherein the gateis constructed of a mild steel material.